Jurgen Klopp has indicated that Christian Benteke certainly has a future at Liverpool.

Despite being the club's top goal scorer this season with seven, the Belgian has found himself on the bench in key clashes this season, most notably against Arsenal and Manchester United.

Benteke has been criticised for not buying in to Klopp's 'gegenpressing' style but the German is adamant that the £32.5million forward is integral to his plans at Anfield now and in the future.

"You are too quick in your judgments," he said ahead of Wednesday night's FA Cup third round replay with Exeter City.

"If I would work like this I would send players who miss chances to the next club or whatever.

"Stay cool. Of course he has a future. That is not a question.

"I had a lot of meetings with players and not all these players became my players after this for a lot reasons," added Klopp.

"We saw a lot of games he played in, keeping the ball, technical skills, of course the header but not only that, finishing skills, all this stuff.

"From all those things he is a complete striker but at the end you have to work for it."

With Benteke scheduled to start in the clash with Exeter, the former Aston Villa star will aiming to impress his boss by finding the back of the net as the Reds look to progress to the fourth round of the famous cup competition.


By Andrew Maclean